Unit 6 Helitorch Operations/Exercises

1. Unit 6Helitorch Operations/Exercises

2. Objectives • Understand what constitutes a suitable Helitorch Operations site • Successfully hook-up a Helitorch to the Helicopter • Demonstrate how to test Helitorch with aircraft power

3. Objectives • Demonstrate procedures for filling a Helitorch from mixing systems • Perform final Helitorch systems check, finalize Go / No Go checklist • Demonstrate the mixing procedures for mixing systems

4. Helitorch Base

5. Helitorch Site Locations • Helitorch site large enough to safely accommodate all necessary equipment • Establish clear approach and departure paths, over flight of personnel, vehicle traffic, and property not allowed • Maintain safety circle • Close proximity to burn site desired • Consider impacts from smoke/embers

7. Helitorch Site Locations (cont’) • Authorized personnel only • Establish alternate landing area • Separate Helitorch base from wildland fire helibase • Establish escape routes for personnel & equipment in event of escaped fire • Consider dust abatement needs

9. Helitorch Installation Procedures

10. Helitorch Installation to the Helicopter • Remove pilots door • Complete the helitorch check list • Place helitorch in front of ship with nozzle to the pilots side • Make sure switches are in off position • Layout suspension system under helicopter between skids • Assure suspension system attachment point is configured for cargo hook, DO NOT hook up suspension system until test completed

12. Connect the 9 pin plug

14. Installation (cont’) • Install a propane bottle (if applicable) and adjust pressure (5-10 psi) • Have pilot active helicopter electrical power to helitorch • Test electrical ignition system • Test pump • Do a manual and electrical test of cargo hook release • Attach suspension system to helicopter cargo hook

15. Helicopter-Helitorch Test

16. Helicopter-Helitorch Test

17. Mixing Systems Safety Standards Mixing Area

20. Mixing Area • Located outside of the helicopter safety circle • During the mixing operation fire protection will be staffed and ready • Restricted to Helitorch personnel only • No smoking within 50 feet of any operation on the Helitorch base, including the vapor removal discharge hose outlets

21. Mixing Area (cont’) • Precautions must be taken to eliminate sources of ignition • Use approved gelling agent dispenser • NO PLASTIC of any kind should be used in the mixing operation

23. Bonding Sequence

24. Bonding Mixing Systems, Helitorch & Bulk Fuel Source • Connect bonding cable from bulk fuel nozzle to the mixing system or a common bonding point • Connect vapor removal hose • Open fueling port and begin fueling • When fueled remove nozzle, close port • Remove bonding cable • Note: The goal is to provide continuity

25. Bonding from the mixing system to the Helitorch drum for gel loading

26. Connect vapor removal hose • Use a fuel transfer hose with wire helix and a dry-break connector and connect into the Helitorch dry-break • When done disconnect dry-brake • Remove vapor hose

27. Commercial Gelling Agent • Use only commercial gelling agents that come with an MSDS • Maintain proper mix ratio • Gelling agent should be dry and free of contaminants • Break up any lumps before adding to fuel

28. Gelling Agent (cont’) • Gelling agent added to partially gelled fuel will not dissolve • More than 5 to 10 percent residual gel left can cause severe clumping • Add gelling agent to agitated fuel at a moderate rate

29. Fuel • Gasoline or a gasoline (70%) / diesel (30%) combination is preferred • Use clean fuels, avoid contaminants • Warmer fuels will gel more quickly • Fuel additives used for formulating oxygenated fuel have had a negative effect on maintaining gel cohesion

30. Mixing Systems

31. Mixing Systems

32. Mixing Systems • Personnel required: • Mixmaster • Mixing crew • Fuel truck driver • Mixing system should be as empty as possible of residual gel • Bond to bulk fuel source • Hook up vapor removal hose (50 ft. minimum), layout and post “no-smoking”signs

35. Mixing Systems • Fill mixing system with desired amount of fuel • Begin fuel agitating/re-circulation and check • Dispense gelling agent into fuel at a moderate rate • Continue re-circulation for 2 minutes for 55 gallon drums and 5 minutes for larger quantities, then shut off system and wait • Gelling should be complete in 5-20 minutes

37. Mixing Systems • Check for proper gel consistency with a wooden or aluminum paddle. • The gel should envelope around the paddle when inserted into the gel (batch mixer) • When removed from the gel there should be no liquid dripping and gel should roll right off paddle and not stick to it

39. Filling the Helitorch • Personnel required: • Parking Tender • Mixmaster • Mixing crew member (s) • Parking Tender marshals helicopter then assures switches are turned off • Parking Tender than signals mix personnel that they can start torch filling operation

41. PAY ATTENTION

42. Filling the Helitorch • Parking Tender then staffs fire extinguisher for duration of all operations • Mix Master ensures that switches are off then hooks up vapor removal hose • Hooks up fuel transfer hose and signals pump operator to begin fuel transfer • Watches through sight glass to monitor fuel level

48. Filling the Helitorch • Signals pump operator (give pump operator enough notice) when full, gel to bottom of sight glass and shuts off dry brake • Unhooks vapor hose then fuel hose and replaces clay bailey 2” cam lock

49. Helitorch Test - First Load • With helicopter not running, and switches in off position, signal to pilot to turn on power to Helitorch • Place a bucket under the nozzle and turn on the pump switch until gel comes out, test helitorch for fuel flow, ensure nozzle valve is not leaking • Assure both switches are off

50. Final Helitorch Systems Check • Inspection should be done by the Helitorch Manager with the Parking Tender and Mixmaster present • During helicopter fuel cycles, re-inspect the helitorch